Page 58 of Mafia Handbook

Chapter Twenty-Five

In an effort to calm her nerves, Milena shifted a piece of peppermint around in her mouth as she waited for the elevator doors to open. She didn’t want to be there, however, she’d made a promise to herself she would obtain closure in order to move on with her life. The check in her purse secured her the excuse she needed.

Stepping from the elevator, Milena cringed as Gretchen’s distinctive voice carried down the hall. She considered turning back, however she was determined to see it through. Steeling her shoulders, Milena put one foot in front of the other and made her way down the hall.

Gretchen internally rolled her eyes at the mouse of a girl sitting behind the receptionist desk. She’d tried, unsuccessfully, to befriend the young girl, in order to gain information of where Sebastian had disappeared to for the last month.

“That blouse is such a great color on you, Melissa. Wherever did you get it?”

Melissa held onto the edge of her seat in hopes of keeping her cool and not ripping Gretchen’s eyes out. She wanted to scream at her to get a clue and not act so desperate in pursuing a man who clearly doesn’t want her.

“Oh this?” Melissa questioned sweetly. “I found it in that second-hand store next to the freeway,” she lied, Keystone Security paid her quite well. They’d also warned her about the wretched woman standing before her, giving strict instructions not to allow her any information about the agents, especially Sebastian. Narrowing her eyes, Melissa pointed at Gretchen’s handbag. “Now that I think about it, I saw a purse just like yours for ten dollars. I think I’ll stop by there tonight after work, that is if my paycheck doesn’t bounce again.” Feigning shock, Melissa slapped her hand over her mouth, “Oh my, I shouldn’t have said that.”

Gretchen tipped her head to the side as she ruminated what Melissa said. Could this be the reason for Sebastian’s absence? Was the company failing?

Noticing movement in the hall, Melissa turned her attention from Gretchen, grateful for the interruption.

“Hello, can I help you?”

Swallowing the last of her peppermint, Milena held up her head as she approached the desk. “Yes, hello. I’m here to see Mr. Kelly.”

Melissa recognized the woman’s face from the picture on Sebastian’s desk. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Kelly is out of the office today.”

“Milena? That is you. Oh, my god, you look amazing.” Another lie rolling easily off her tongue. “How long has it been?” Gretchen laid her hand on her chest, “I simply can’t recall.” She waved off, “Time seems to rush by when you’re with the love of your life.”

“It has been a while.” Eight weeks and six days, Milena added in her head, “You look well.”

Shifting her footing, Gretchen raised her left hand, making sure the diamond on her finger caught Milena’s attention. “I owe it all to Sebastian.”

Nodding, Milena thought back to their time in the shower, how Bash had corrected her for using his full name, citing only whores and strangers called him Sebastian.

“What a beautiful ring. Are congratulations in order?”

“Why thank you,” Gretchen held her hand up, admiring the piece of costume jewelry she kept around for such an occasion, a ruse to drive the stake harder into Milena’s chest. “He surprised me a week after I saw you last. Dropped to one knee and the rest is blissful history.”

Melissa wanted to scream liar, but something told her Milena didn’t believe a word of the fabricated story.

“Can I take a message for Mr. Kelly?” Melissa offered instead, gripping her chair with such force she just might rip the fabric.

“Yes, I’m sorry.” Milena offered, opening her purse and retrieving the envelope containing the check. “If you could give this to Mr. Kelly. Let him know if this isn’t the correct amount to contact my accountant.”

Melissa could feel the tremble in Milena’s hand, see the sadness in her beautiful eyes. “I’ll hand it to him personally,” she assured, slipping the envelope into the top drawer of her desk and engaging the lock.

* * *

“So, what did he say?”Gil waited as long as he could before pouncing on Milena. After spending the better part of the prior day, going out of his mind while doctors tried to figure out what made her faint in the parking lot, he vowed to make sure she got plenty of food and rest.

Tossing the black dress across the satin comforter, Milena let out a frustrated sigh as she turned to face Gil. “He wasn’t there.”Shaking her head, Milena reached for the next dress in the pile. “But Gretchen was.”

Tipping his head back in laughter, “Gretchen Lewis? The poster child for gold-digging whores.”

“The one and only,” Milena dead panned, spinning on her heel and sitting on the edge of her Nona’s bed.

Springing to his feet, Gil circled the bed, dropping to his knees in front of her. “I can see it in your eyes, she said something to upset you.”

Letting out a huff, Milena leveled her gaze with Gil’s. “She didn’t say anything to upset me. I know not to believe anything she says,” Milena trailed off.

“Then what?”

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